Roland VG-88

[Sorg]

Has anyone tried this? How is it compared to the POD xt?

Is it a effect processor or a synth-guitar thing...?

[Mincer]

It is a hexaphonic processor, not a guitar synth. From what I have heard, it sounds much better than the PODs, since you can process each string separately. Lots more options, although you need a guitar with a hex pickup on it.

[Sorg]

CAn you play metal with it?

[Mincer]

Well, yeah, its just an effects processor, but a really advanced one. You can certainly play metal with it, although you may hurt its feelings.

[Sorg]

Ok. Let`s say you use a Dist. pedal with it. Would you then have to change between two pickups each time you swicth between the VG-88 and the dist. pedal? (you mentioned that you needed a certain pickup to use it...)

[Mincer]

The idea is that you wouldnt use a distortion pedal. You don't use any pedals, except the VG-88. If you use the magnetic pickups in your guitar, you defeat the use for the VG-88. You just use a hex pickup, like an RMC, Yamaha G1d, or Roland GK2a. Direct to a recording console or PA (not regular guiar amps). The VG does the rest, that is what is so cool about this system.

[Sorg]

Ok. So I guess you could get some nice Metal distortions out of it without any problems.